Page 2 - C.A.L.L. #42 - Spring 2017

Dear readers, Contents

For those devoted to
building communities 2. A Message from the
based on cooperation, International Communal
peace and unity, 2016 was Studies Association Board

undoubtedly a difficult
year. Dan McKanan

The election of a US 3. Building a Socialist Life
president who entertains
millions of followers by flooding social media with in a Capitalist World
racist rhetoric and unveiled misogyny sent ripples of Sam Edelman
anguish and uncertainty throughout the world.

The British public’s decision to leave the EU also came 5. Community Close Up:
as a shock to many. For these, the quickness with which Las Indias - Madrid

great swaths of society responded to voices of Michael Livni
isolationist nationalism was bewildering.
Throughout the Western world, far-right and anti- 8. Perspectives on Inner
immigrant groups are moving closer to center stage. and Outer Peace from
The volume of their public voice and the support they
receive in national legislatures makes them impossible Long-Term Members of
to ignore. Intentional Communities
in the USA

These monumental shifts should come as a rude
awakening. Large sections of the lower and middle Deborah Altus
classes have been left behind by policies of arch-
neoliberalism that funnel power and wealth into the 22. Tamera: A Realistic
hands of the few.
Utopia
It should not come as a surprise when the Peter Gringinger
disenfranchised many respond in anger. It should not
come as a surprise when figures who appear to reject
the world order and offer to dismantle it, find such
willing and enthusiastic support. It should not,
perhaps, come as a surprise that so many are blind to
(or simply choose not to see) the dangers of disunity
and xenophobia that lurk behind these figures’ words.

These dangers are indeed frightening. But now is not
the time to cower in fear. On the contrary, we must
work harder than ever to promote the values of peace,
community and equality. For this is the only antidote to
the disillusion. We must show that we are stronger
when our lives are bound together. This idea, that so
many are trying to fulfil every day in so many different
ways throughout the world, must be shared.

This issue of C.A.L.L is a demonstration and an
invitation. We bring together some incredible long-
lasting examples of intentional community from
around the world. And at the same time we call on you
to join us in sharing them.

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